Former Ansonia standout Tristan Roberts signed a national letter of intent on Monday to play at Monmouth.

Roberts, who was a 2008 Register All-Area selection as a senior while at Ansonia, was a wide receiver the last two seasons at Lackawanna Junior College in Pennsylvania.

Roberts, who is listed at 6-feet-2, 205 pounds on the Lackawanna roster, will enter Monmouth as a junior and have two years of eligibility remaining. Roberts graduates from Lackawanna in May.

"Based on what we watched, we like him at wideout," Monmouth offensive coordinator Scott Van Zile said. "The thing you notice right away is his size and physicality. He's a big and physical presence on the field. We also noticed how physical and aggressive he was blocking kids. You don't see too many kids willing to do that."

Monmouth returns a talented but inexperienced receiving corps for the 2011 season. The Hawks went 3-8 in 2010.

"We're very young at that position," Van Zile said. "Talented, but not very experienced. That's something he brings. We're bringing in a young man who is a little more mature, and who has played at a higher level. We thought that would be beneficial to us."

Monmouth opens the season on Sept. 3 at home against Lehigh. The Hawks play at Central Conn. on Sept. 24 and at Sacred Heart on Oct. 22.

Roberts said he is very appreciative for the opportunity. He added that he will accept the role of coming to Monmouth with experience and hopes to be a good leader for the younger wide-out group.